Obituaries: Sept. 5, 2026

Wendy Kaye Cole

October 14, 1965-August 28, 2026

Wendy Kaye Cole (60) died August 28, 2026, at Corewell Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

She was born October 14, 1965, in Tacoma, Washington, to Kaye Diann (Haase) Cole and Edmund Cyril Cole, who both predeceased her.

Wendy loved music and the performing arts. Her childhood home was in Westland, Michigan, where she attended Livonia Public Schools, graduating in 1983 from Franklin High School. She played flute in the marching band, sang in choir, and was active in the theatre program.

She became a beautician, earning her way through Eastern Michigan University, where, as a fourth-generation "legacy" student, she graduated with a B.S. and Secondary Teacher Certification.

In 1998, Wendy moved to Holland, Michigan, joining IXI. Testing as an office manager and proudly served the Padnos business for more than 20 years.

She joined First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, and she acted and sang in theatre productions at True JEM Productions and Holland Community Theatre. In 2023, illness cut short her career and community participation: she left her last employer, Meijer, in early 2023.

Wendy leaves her son, Jared; her brother, John Cole (Raven); her Aunt Gail and Uncle Alan Hering; close cousins, David Hering (Jo-Ellen) and Elaine Hering; Wendy's best friend, Tomma Thurlby, and more cousins, nieces and nephews.

Wendy's family gratefully acknowledges the caring professionals who participated in her treatment at Holland Hospital, Zeeland Hospital, Butterworth Hospital, Lemmem-Holton Cancer Center, The Cancer and Hematology Center in Holland, and START Midwest. These medical professionals are indeed "angels unaware."

Rev. Cathy Caldwell-Hoop Will conduct Wendy's memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, with visitation one hour before the service. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or to First Presbyterian Church, 659 State St., Holland, MI 49423.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wendy, please visit our floral store.

Gary Lynn Engelsman

November 30, 1950-September 4, 2026

Gary L. Engelsman, 75, of Holland, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2026.

Gary was born November 30, 1950, in Zeeland, Michigan, to Kenneth and JoAnne (Walcott) Engelsman. He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1968, and he met Judith Rae Van Spyker. They were married in 1970 and raised their two sons together. Gary worked for 42 years at Zeeland Chemical(Vertellus) until his retirement. He enjoyed his work and made great friends at Zeeland Chemical. He was often seen wearing his red Vertellus work jacket. Additionally, Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting out west, and deer hunting in West Michigan/Ohio. Big Star Lake will always be a special place for Gary and his family, where they made great memories for decades.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Engelsman; brother-in-law, Larry Van Spyker; and parents-in-law, Clifford and Bernice Van Spyker.

Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Judith; their sons, Nicholas and Michelle Engelsman of Ohio, Daniel Engelsman of Holland; his mother, JoAnne Engelsman; his siblings, James and Rhonda Engelsman, Randy and Cindy Engelsman, Kristi and Greg Cook, Rick and Deb Engelsman; in-laws, Guyla Van Spyker, Thomas and Janice Van Spyker, Janice and Calvin Schutte, and many extended family.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, MI 49464. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, also at the Yntema Funeral Home. Interment will be in Zutphen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland. 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Lynn Engelsman, please visit our Sympathy Store.

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Donald Griesing

February 28, 1937-September 3, 2026

Donald Richard Griesing, age 89, of Holland, Michigan, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on September 3, 2026.

Don was born on February 28, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to Donald and Thelma Griesing. The youngest of three children, he grew up alongside his sisters, Jean Rowe and Marilyn Noseworthy. Some of his happiest early memories were made with his family at Black Lake in Onaway, Michigan, a place that would remain special to him throughout his life and later become the setting for many treasured memories with his own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

As a young man, Don was a proud Boy Scout, a talented baseball player, a hockey player, and an avid singer. Music and faith were woven together in his life from the very beginning. He often led singing at church and was deeply involved in his church youth group.

That involvement eventually led him to the love of his life, Virginia “Ginger” Griesing. They met in 1959 on a ski trip to Caberfae, when Don stopped to help Ginger after she fell on the slopes. The rest, as they say, is history.

Don and Ginger were married on February 13, 1960, and shared 66 beautiful years together. Their marriage was a testament to devotion, friendship, faith, and enduring love. Together, they raised four daughters, Susan (Dan) Santellan, Sarah (David) Perry, Sandra (Dale) Delavergne, and Sherri (Jeffrey) Stonick. Nothing meant more to Don than his family. He was immensely proud of them and loved each of them unconditionally, with an abundance of grace.

His grandchildren were Philip (Emily) Santellan, Paul Santellan, Brian Santellan, Kyle (Jocey) Perry, Patterson Perry, Shelby (Adam) Delavergne, Stephanie (Zach) Postma, Meredith (Luke) Bruinsma, Megan (Russell) Deters, Mariah (Cory) McFarland, Shannon O’Connor, Jacob Stonick, Ashlyn Stonick, Kaleigh Stonick, and his 16 great-grandchildren — Silas, Brayden, Owen, Ivy, Keyan, Harper, Kai, Adelynn, Ophelia, Emery, Wyatt, Colton, Sawyer, Vivian, Saige, and Ezra — brought him tremendous joy.

The memories Don created with his family are countless: camping trips, snowmobiling, summers at Black Lake, family vacations, fishing, and simply spending intentional time together. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable. He never met a stranger and seemed to know someone everywhere he went. If you needed to know where to find a great meal anywhere in Michigan, especially good whitefish, you asked Don.

Don began working in the printing-equipment field when he was 20 years old. old. He became a salesman for Itek Corp. and, in 1976, relocated with his family to Holland, Michigan, where he opened his own print shop.

He was exceptionally talented in his work and earned several honors throughout his career, including being named Itek’s top worldwide salesman in 1974 and earning Centurion Club membership for the sixth time. His knowledge and skill were so respected that people continued calling him well into his 80s for help repairing equipment.

Truly a jack of all trades, Don could fix just about anything. Away from work, he loved golfing, fishing, playing cards and marbles, and cheering for Detroit sports teams — whether they were winning or not. He and Ginger also treasured the winters they spent together in Florida. His family will especially miss his biscuits and gravy, his famous apple pie, his stories, his laughter, and his wonderful sense of humor.

Above everything else, Don was a man of deep and unwavering faith. Whether he was walking through the best day of his life or the hardest, his Faith in Jesus carried him. He served faithfully in his church community and was an elder at Holland Church of Christ for many years. He did not simply speak about what it meant to follow Christ; he lived it every day. Through prayer, trust, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, and service, he showed his family what a true Christian life looked like. His example will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations still to come.

In his final season, Don was not afraid to die. He knew where he was going and was at peace knowing the reward that awaited him. Although his family will miss him more than words can express, they grieve with hope, knowing he is now free from pain and in the presence of Jesus. They look forward to the day they will see him again, and can only imagine that he is already leading the singing in heaven.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Virginia “Ginger” Griesing; his daughters and sons-in-law; his 14 grandchildren and their spouses; his 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Thelma Griesing, and his sisters, Marilyn Noseworthy and Jean Rowe.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. on September 9, 2026, at Dykstra Funeral Home–Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland, Michigan.

A funeral service, officiated by Justin Mooney, will take place at 11 a.m. on September 10, 2026, at Holland Church of Christ, 405 Beeline Road, Holland, Michigan.

The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 10 a.m.

A luncheon will follow at the church.

A private burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person at: youtube.com/channel/UCr_ylth9ImuXyVLFwG-LlQA

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.

Amy V. Haveman

August 29, 1935-August 25, 2026

Amy Virginia Haveman passed away August 25, 2026, in Zeeland, Michigan.

She was born on August 29, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ernst Clyde Boyle and Eva Lorena (Griffin) Boyle. The family, including Amy and her two younger siblings, Eva and William (Billy), lived in the slums of Chicago, moving quite a few times. Her father, Ernst, worked with the Pere Marquette Railway Company (and later C&O) as a fireman and engineer.

Amy was not allowed to attend kindergarten because her baby brother, Billy, had a heart condition and was so weak that they were afraid she would bring germs home to him. At age 6, Amy began first grade at Lewis Champlin Elementary School, on the south side of Chicago. Her second grade teacher, Rose Huston, was very influential in Amy’s life, providing needed love and encouragement.

The family moved to Holland, Michigan, when Amy was in second grade, where they first lived in the Hollander Hotel for a short time, near where the depot is today. Next, they moved to 45 E. 12th St., a large Victorian house. They lived at this house for a short time also. This was during World War II, and the family would huddle around a small light during air raid blackouts. Next, the family moved to the downstairs apartment at 220 S. 120th Ave., which had one sink, no bathtub, and no hot running water.

The children began attending the Holland City Mission for Sunday School, where Amy and her two siblings each professed salvation. Amy was also in Blue Birds, which brought another very important person into her life, Julie Koenes. In addition, one of Amy’s elementary teachers, Betty Poppema, was also a tremendous influence, basically taking her into her home and providing valuable nurturing. Amy spent many hours at the Poppema home, even babysitting for them.

When Amy was 15 years old, she met and began dating Leon Beyer. When she was 18, during her senior year at Holland High School, she moved out of her parents’ house, and after staying briefly at Lee’s family’s home, she got her own apartment on 17th Street in Holland.

During high school, Amy already had more than enough credits for graduation, so she signed up for co-op and worked at McLellen’s Dime Store, working the candy counter, at Kresgie’s, Had’s Drive-In restaurant, and at the Snack Shack restaurant. Each of these jobs was on 8th Street, and she walked to work and back every day.

From a young age, Amy showed a great talent for singing, even being “pulled up” a grade to be able to sing in an elite high school choir. Her voice teacher offered to take her to Europe for further training, telling her she could be famous. However, Amy repeatedly affirmed that she wasn’t seeking fame and fortune, but would rather use her voice for the Lord. She sang in church choirs, sang as special music for church services, and sang in the Metropolitan Choir of Praise for many years. In later years, Amy was in several plays/musicals with Red Barn Theatre and Holland Theatre.

During high school, Amy also participated in Dutch Dance in Holland’s annual Tulip Festival. She reprised that role in later years by dancing with alumni.

When she graduated from High School, Amy married Lee Beyer on October 29, 1953. They first lived in an upstairs apartment on 16th St., and later bought a home on 35th Street. Four children were born to them: Nancy, Cathy, Laura, and Sandy. They were divorced in 1963, and Amy and the children moved to a home on East Ottogan in Holland.

Shortly thereafter, Amy married Jason Haveman, and together they had Scott, Diane, Sheila, and Jamie. They built a home on Beeline Road in 1966, where the children grew up on 30 acres. During this time, numerous foster children were also brought into the family.

Amy won multitudes of blue ribbons at the fair for her cooking and baking, and even won Allegan County’s “Young Homemaker of the Year” in 1970. She also sewed a lot, making many outfits for her family. She loved and collected antiques, and dreamed of opening her own shop called “Juke Box Café Antiques,” which would also include an old-fashioned ice cream and malt shop. She loved using her antique equipment to make malts for grandchildren.

Jas and Amy divorced in 1976, and Amy went back to school to earn her nursing degree. After graduating in 1983, she worked in some facilities and did in-home healthcare for many patients of a wide range of ages.

Amy married Roger Groot in 1984. However, it was a very rocky relationship, and they divorced around 1998.

In June of 2002, Amy sold her home on Beeline Road and fulfilled her dream of renovating an old house which was on the Kalamazoo River, and furnishing it with antiques. She married Ted Ploehn in 2006. They were divorced in 2019.

In 2022, the Riverhouse was sold, and Amy moved into an Independent Living apartment at Addington Place at Lakeside Vista on 40th in Holland. She lived there until early 2025, when she was moved to the Memory Care Unit at Riley’s Grove in Zeeland. Staff there loved her very much, commenting often that she was so sweet and funny. Sadly, a stroke ended her life on August 25, 2026.

Amy’s wish was to be cremated and her ashes strewn in the Kalamazoo River, which she loved. She requested no visitation or service.

Amy is survived by her eight children. She also had 31 grandchildren and 47great-grandchildren.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Amy V. Haveman, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Raymond Francis Horath

August 26, 1954-September 3, 2026

Raymond Francis Horath, known to many as Ray and to some as the Blue-Eyed Soul Brother, Doc, or All the Way Ray (or as he introduced himself to that taxi driver in Uruguay — Ramon), passed away on September 3, 2026, at the age of 72.

Ray was born on August 26, 1954, at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, which he loved to point out every single time our family drove past it on 90/94. He grew up in the St. Killian’s parish on the South Side of Chicago in a home filled with laughter and love. His true saint of a mother to three boys — the twins, Ray and Richie, and 18 months their senior, Jimmy — Judy’s strictest moments were when, in her words, she “would beat them with a feather.”

They grew up playing pick-up games with neighborhood kids, who remained friends until his death. He’ll be dearly missed on their yearly golf trip at the end of the month. Ray played football, baseball and basketball at Mt. Carmel, a school he was proud to have attended — he always wore his Our Lady of Mt. Carmel scapular.

He was a hard-working man who loved to stay busy. He started at a young age: cutting grass when he could barely see over the lawnmower; selling Christmas trees and Mickey Mouse balloons; and landscaping at the Chicago Park District, overseen by his dad, Frank, the Chief Horticulturist of Chicago. He swept Oreo crumbs at the Nabisco plant and worked at a tool and dye factory to save up enough money to attend Northern Illinois University, where he played rugby and was a TKE with his brother and several guys from neighborhood, coming home during the summers to the tune of “The Boys Are Back In Town” to play 16-inch softball with the Father Perez Knights of Columbus team.

It was at NIU that he met the love of his life, Joyce, who would become his wife of 45 years. She was reading a book by the pool, and moments later Ray was tossing her in — they have been together ever since.

Joyce and Ray were married in 1981 and moved all the way down to a tiny farm town, Beecher, Illinois, the same year. They bought a beautiful farmhouse and 13 acres of land, surrounded by a creek, and celebrated with a barn painting party. This started a lifelong love of Labrador Retrievers, from Sara and Chelsey to Scout, Bomber, and Sadie, and his beloved Maizie. He took to country life quickly, baling hay, plowing snow on his John Deere tractor, taking care of the horses, and endlessly tinkering on projects.

Once Darcy and Bryce were born, a whole new chapter began — Ray was truly made to be a father. He was the most selfless, patient, loving Dad there could be; Darcy and Bryce’s lives were filled with silly jokes, Dance of the Days, thoughtful advice and support, and a steady reliability from him that never wavered.

Even though he traveled often throughout his successful sales career at BASF, Millennium Chemicals, and FP Pigments, he never missed a dance recital, team practice, or a big game. He was a kind and caring soccer, basketball, and baseball coach to Darcy and Bryce and so many other kids. He cared less about wins and more about giving kids confidence, skills and the sense of teamwork — although he did lead Bryce’s eighth grade baseball team to the championship after an eight-year drought! Marian Catholic High School even gave him the mic to announce Bryce’s football games from the press box, which he loved.

As the kids got older, their relationships with Ray only grew. He loved to travel and to meet new people and learn new cultures and he took his family on incredible trips all around the world, including Europe, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Bora Bora, Fiji, and more. He nurtured Darcy’s budding interest in the restaurant community by taking her to Alinea for her birthday (even though he did say ... “aren’t foodies supposed to be able to cook?!”) and they shared many meals, talking about their lives. He and Bryce were best friends, talking on the phone almost daily about business, life, and anything else. They always had a good time working on home projects, catching up on the golf course, or in the stands at a ball game.

Ray’s love only grew as his family did, welcoming his son-in-law Frank into the fold with a wedding speech that called him not only family, but a true friend. His grandsons, Remi and Beau, were the light of his life. He gave them both a love of baseball and took them on their very special “Gentlemen’s Breakfasts,” where they would wear suits and talk about what it means to be a true gentleman. He taught them that the best way to decorate Christmas cookies is with lots of extra sprinkles; he taught Remi how to waterski this summer, and he was a mystery reader at Beau’s preschool this spring, much to the delight of the whole class.

Ray found so much joy in the simple things in life. Playing golf, cheering for the White Sox or the Bears, going out on the boat, hunting for seaglass, his daily Wordle, and weekly trivia with his infamous team, the Cootie Killers. He loved to grill and he made a mean ossobuco. Mostly, Ray loved people - talking to them, learning about them, making them feel at ease. Aside from being remembered for his bright blue eyes and big smile, Ray will be remembered as someone who could always be counted on and who always made you feel better after a conversation with him. And his love came back to him in spades — he was a truly beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, colleague, and friend. He will be greatly, greatly missed, but we know that he is with us always in our hearts, in our laughs, and in a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset.

A visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 100 St. Peter Drive, Douglas, MI 49406. A Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Riverside – Saugatuck Cemetery. A luncheon at Saugatuck Brewery will be held afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an organization for which Ray volunteered and cared deeply — Children First Lakeshore (childrenfirstlakeshore.org) — which helps feed the kids of Allegan County affected by food insecurity and hunger.

Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes – Saugatuck Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond, please visit our floral store.

Jonathan Alfred Marialke

January 21, 1952-August 31, 2026

Jonathan Marialke, a faithful servant and father to many, went home to Jesus on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 74.

Jon was born to Albert and Alma Marialke on January 21, 1952, in Allegan, Michigan. He attended Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and later received his ordination with the Assemblies of God in 1985. He spent his early years learning the trade of carpentry before dedicating his life to ministry.

Jon pastored several churches across Michigan, including New Life Assembly of God in Holland, Peck Assembly of God in Peck, Michigan, and Souls Harbor on the east side of the state in Waterford, Michigan. He later served as co-pastor at Holland First Assembly and Resurrection Life in West Michigan. During his long season in the ministry, Jon preached the Gospel, mentored young people, and gave counsel to members of his congregation and community. After retiring from full-time ministry, Jon continued serving others through his work with Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity until the time of his illness.

A lover of the outdoors, Jon spent many summers hiking and backpacking through the woods of Michigan. Though he was a quiet man, he loved people deeply and had a wonderful sense of humor. His home was often filled with young people who found in him a welcoming spirit, carefree acceptance, and wise counsel. Above all, Jon loved Jesus, and that love was evident to everyone who knew him.

Many people were touched by Jon’s ministry and service, but the greatest accomplishment of his life was his family. He married the love of his life, Laura Geary, on July 30, 1977. During their 49 years together, they raised their two children, Nathanial and Michelle, discovering the beauty of Michigan from the family station wagon and teaching them to love the Lord.

Jon and Laura watched their family grow as their children married David Silva and Katherine Barry, whom they loved as their own. The crown of Jon’s life was his five precious grandchildren. He loved being “Dad” and “Papa Jon” to his children and grandchildren. During his last years, much of his time was spent cheering for his grandchildren at concerts and sporting events, and walking with them through the Saugatuck Dunes. His final words reflected the joy he felt in having his amazing family gathered around him.

Jon is survived by his devoted wife, Laura Marialke; his children, Nate and Katherine Marialke and Shelly and David Silva; his grandchildren, Marcus and Maxwell Silva, Rhema, Eli, and Jade Marialke; his sisters, Cindy (Dale) Fick, Rebecca (Jerry) Reimersma, sister and brother in laws, Patrice Marialke, Kathie Perrault, Fred and Ruth Geary, Brian and Janice Geary, Tim and Glennis Geary, along with beloved cousins, and dear friends.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Alma Marialke, and his beloved brother, David Marialke.

To honor his life, the family will host a visitation 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, at Holland First Assembly Church, 1331 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423, and a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, at Holland First Assembly, with the Rev. Cal Garcia presiding.

Together, we will mourn Earth’s loss and celebrate heaven’s gain.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jonathan, please visit our floral store.

Calvin Jay Overway Sr.

October 1, 1955-September 3, 2026

Calvin Jay Overway Sr. departed the pain of this world to enter the Kingdom of Heaven on September 3, 2026.

Calvin was born on October 1, 1955, to William and Carolyn Overway. His life achievements and enjoyment came from his family, four years in the U.S Navy on the USS Independence, years of building machines/robotics, hunting, fishing, and playing pool.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 38 years, Margery Overway; his parents, William and Carolyn Overway; his children, Calvin (Amber) Overway Jr. of South Carolina, Amy (Will) Pogue of Missouri, Tammi (Bobby) Barnes of Missouri, and Jean Hewitt of Colorado; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Mark (Sally) Overway, Debra Langejans, Bill (Linda) Overway, and Susan (Scott) Lokers; many nieces and nephews.

In honoring his wishes, Cal will be cremated and honorably buried at Ft. Custer Memorial Cemetery with no funeral or memorial services planned. He prayed all his family and friends would join him in heaven one day ... he is on his pink cloud waiting for you.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley St., West Olive, MI 49460.

Donald Blanchard Reed

October 13, 1930-September 3, 2026

Donald Blanchard Reed, age 95, of Grand Haven, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026, with his family by his side.

He was born on October 13, 1930, in Vassalboro, Maine, to Archie B. and Lillian G. (Campbell) Reed. He married the former Mary Ellen Kaffenberger on September 7, 1953, in Lebanon, Missouri. She preceded him in death on September 6, 1994.

Donald served his country in the Army during the Korean War as a Master Sergeant. He worked for the City of Grand Haven as a firefighter for 29 years and two months, retiring at age 55. Don then landscaped until age 62. He was a member of the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post 28, the Sgt. Alvin Yonker VFW Post 2326, in Grand Haven, and AARP.

Don loved to hunt, play Bingo, go to Little River Casino, and, on the second Thursday of every month, meet with the retired fireman at Rendezvous Restaurant (later at Russ’). He was also a faithful volunteer for 54 years with the Salvation Army for Crusade for Toys.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Donna (Michael) Chunko; three sons, Donald B. (Teri) Reed Jr., Kenneth F. (Judy) Reed, and Patrick A. (Debbie) Reed; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Vidie Fuller, Frances Soper, Ellen Reed-Cunningham; and two brothers, John Reed and Willis Reed.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, with military honors by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post 28 Honor Guard.

Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service.

Memorials to the American Cancer Society or Crusade for Toys with the Salvation Army are appreciated. Interment will be in Lakeshore Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family in their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

Judy Lee Tober

May 23, 1952-August 29, 2026

Judy Lee Tober, 74, passed away peacefully at her home in West Olive, Michigan. She was born May 23, 1952, in Muskegon, Michigan.

Judy loved learning and remained curious about the world throughout her life. She loved traveling, working outside, and spending time in the places and activities that brought her joy. She had a particular love for Bible study, finding meaning and comfort in learning about the Scriptures. As a member of Jehovah's Witnesses, Judy loved sharing what she learned with others.

Judy especially treasured being a mother. She strove to be the best mother she could be, and her children knew how deeply she loved them. Some of her happiest memories came from the time she spent living and working in Taiwan as a teacher, an experience she was able to share with her children. The opportunity to teach, live in another country, and experience a different culture was a meaningful chapter in her life and one she remembered fondly.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Butzer and Petra Walters, and by her husband of nearly 25 years, Siegfried Tober.

She is survived by her children, Lance (Stacey) Tober, Derek Tober, and Lacey Tober; and her beloved granddaughter, Evangeline Tober. As well as her siblings, David Butzer, Barbra (Gary) Zang, Glenda Walters, and Jeannie (Rick) Larsen.

Judy will be remembered and deeply missed by her family, who loved her dearly and are grateful for the years, memories, and love they shared with her.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Central Park Place, Grand Haven, Michigan. Timothy Bourne will officiate the service.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Lee Van Order

December 12, 1952-September 4, 2026

Lee Van Order, age 73, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary Lou, his children and grandchildren Amanda Van Order, Jason and Katie Van Order (Zoey Lancaster, Jodi Van Order, and Nathan Van Order), his bothers, Loren and Ann Van Order, Larry and Sherrye Van Order, Lenny and Jolene Van Order, and Leon and Carla Van Order, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roger Ridlington, and Nancy Fleming.

Lee was born to Milan and Carol Van Order on December 21, 1952, in Holland, Michigan. He graduated from Hamilton High School, where he enjoyed playing in the band. He worked at Lear Sigler and 7-Up; he drove a school bus for Hamilton Schools and then spent 23 years working at Perrigo, from which he retired. Lee was a 4H leader for 30-plus years.

Lee loved spending time with his grandkids and especially baking with them.

Services are pending.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lee Van Order, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Betty Lois Urban

December 15, 1943-August 30, 2026

Betty Lois Urban was peacefully welcomed into the arms of her Lord and savior on Sunday morning, August 30, 2026, in Holland, Michigan.

Betty was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to many who adored her. Betty could be best described as joyous and grateful, with an infectious laugh combined with a loving and protective presence about her that provided comfort to everyone around her. Betty was a woman of faith with a gentle spirit who leaves behind a legacy rich in devotion, quiet strength, and unconditional love that will forever be remembered by her friends and family. To all of her family, Betty was a guiding light throughout their formative years and beyond.

Betty Lois Southern was born on December 15, 1943, in Manila, Arkansas, where she lived with her mother and stepfather; her parents, Earline and Marshall Bryan; and three siblings, James, Carol and Keith.

Betty attended Holland High School, where she ultimately met the love of her life and future husband, Paul Joseph Urban. Betty met and dated Paul for four years during high school until she graduated in 1962. After their relationship blossomed into true love, Paul and Betty became husband and wife on August 29, 1964.

After high school, Betty attended Beauty School and became a beautician. Betty worked at multiple beauty parlors, including Margret’s in Holland, Michigan, until Paul built her a beauty salon within their home, where she worked from home doing hair and nails while their daughters were young. As their daughters got older, Betty was employed at Hart and Cooley in Holland, Michigan, for approximately 15 years. Eventually, Betty moved on from Hart and Cooley and went back to her passion as a nail technician in Zeeland, Michigan, at Studio 119, where she also worked with her daughter, Michelle.

Outside of work, Betty developed a passion for multiple hobbies throughout her life, including but not limited to: garage sales, bargain shopping, crochet, and creating her own stationary/greeting cards. She also enjoyed connecting with friends and family over a round of golf, a tennis match, a bowl of ice cream, or a game of cards where she often revealed herself as a quiet competitor.

In retirement, Betty and Paul went out of their way to spend as much time with their grandchildren as possible. Betty and Paul together created so many wonderful memories that their grandchildren will cherish for their lifetime and beyond. Many summers were spent at Tyler Creek Golf Club & Campground in Alto, Michigan, where Betty and Paul shared their love for golf and quality time with their children and grandchildren.

Betty and Paul later continued these family-centered activities at Sandy Pines in Hopkins, Michigan. Betty and Paul wintered in Silveridge RV Resort in Mesa, Arizona, where they had great fun and met numerous lifelong friends. While there, Betty loved to play tennis in senior leagues with her husband, friends, and visiting family members.

Betty and Paul together laid the groundwork for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s success by providing a warm blanket of love, compassion, and comfort that will undoubtedly positively influence current and future generations within the family they started 62 years ago.

In June 2008, Paul was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Betty and Paul subsequently moved to Arkansas in an effort to seek the best treatment available at the time. Paul fought courageously until February 2010, when he ultimately succumbed to cancer.

Shortly after Paul’s untimely death, Betty adopted a Shih Tzu puppy and named her Josie, which was short for Josephina Paulina in honor of her late husband, Paul Joseph. Betty took Josie everywhere she went as she continued to winter in Mesa, Arizona, with the friends she and Paul had made throughout their retirement years.

In her later years, Betty faced the gradual and courageous battle of living with dementia. While dementia slowly reshaped her memories, it could not erase her warmth or her joyful spirit. Even on her hardest days, her face would light up with recognition when her children or grandchildren entered the room, and her innate kindness remained a constant beacon.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Paul Joseph Urban; her parents, Marshall and Earline Bryan; her brother, James Bryan; her sister, Carol Klemple; and her dog, Josie.

She is survived by her brother, Keith Bryan.

Betty’s family includes daughters, Michelle (Curt) Den Uyl, and Tracy (Kurt) Knapp, both of Holland; grandchildren, Andrew (Becky) Rathbun and their children Zachary and Zoey, Corey (Kara) Den Uyl and their children Emree and Ava, Cameron Den Uyl, and Aubrey (Logan) Forist; brother-in-law, Tom Hindert (Pam Barnaby); step-grandchildren, Mike and Nichole Knapp and their children Hudson and Ryder, and Austin Knapp and his son, Emmett, and Brad (Jessica) Grimes and their children, Gavin and Blake.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice (Emmanuel Hospice), 401 Hall St. SW, #263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty, please visit our floral store.